Pubdate: Sat, 10 Aug 2013
Source: Evening News, The (CN NS)
Copyright: 2013 The Evening News
Contact:  http://www.ngnews.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3343
Author: Robert Sharpe
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n379/a03.html

LIBERAL LEADER TRUDEAU'S POT STANCE REFRESHING

Re: Terry Field column, New Glasgow News, Aug. 2 To the editor,

Federal Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau is to be commended for coming
out strong against marijuana prohibition. There is a big difference
between condoning marijuana use and protecting children from drugs.
Decriminalization acknowledges the social reality of marijuana and
spares users lifelong criminal records. What's really needed is a
regulated market with age controls. Separating the hard and soft drug
markets is critical.

As long as organized crime controls marijuana distribution, consumers
will come into contact with sellers of hard drugs like cocaine, meth
and heroin. Marijuana prohibition is a gateway drug policy. It makes
no sense to waste tax dollars on failed marijuana policies that
finance organized crime and facilitate the use of hard drugs. Taxing
and regulating marijuana may send the wrong message to children, but I
like to think the children are more important than the message.

Robert Sharpe, MPA Policy analyst, Common Sense for Drug Policy
Washington, D.C.
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MAP posted-by: Matt